Patrol advancement
This section talks about the importance of helping your patrol advance, and how to teach them skills.
Why advance?
Why are Scout encouraged to pass tests?
- Doing tests develops general knowledge.
- Scouts get confidence in themselves by passing tests.
- Scouts like the feeling of being rewarded for their effort with badges.
- Doing badges encourages hobbies and introduces new hobbies.
- Tests and badges help to bring out different abilities in Scouts.
- It is natural for any person to want to improve.
How do you get your Patrol to advance?
You set the example and your Scouts will follow. It is important that the PL keeps ahead of the Patrol members. Badge progress should form part of every Patrol meeting. Progress must be by 'merit', in other words if a Scout is not competent to pass he does not pass. The PL must be satisfied that the Scout has the knowledge - theory and practical - to pass a badge otherwise restrains them from going to the examiner.
How do you find out what your Scouts need to enable them to progress?
- By keeping an Advancement Progress Chart up to date in your Patrol den.
- By encouraging and asking them at your regular Patrol Meetings what tests / badges they intend to pass.
- Keep track of your patrol advancement on scouts.digital
How does a Scout prepare for badge tests?
He receives instruction from the TS and PL as part of the planned Troop programmes or Patrol Meetings or experts in the field.
Where are arrangements made about test / badge passing?
Either at the Patrol Meeting or in the Court of Honour.
Do you know all about the requirements for the Star Patrol award?
See Star Patrol.
How to teach / method of instruction
You must be clear, simple and maybe slow in training your Scouts the skills of Scouting. Make your training exciting. Encourage the Scout to learn, to want to learn!
You could follow the approach of:
- First I show you quickly (so you can see the end result)
- Then I show you slowly (so you can see the method)
- Then you practise (while I watch and help)
- Preparation
- of SELF - make sure of the subject you are to demonstrate.
- of EQUIPMENT - have everything ready.
- of PERSON - make sure they can hear / see you, no distractions.
- Demonstration
- of what you are teaching, slowly, step by step.
- Explanation
- of its use and a quick demonstration again.
- Imitation
- let person practice and assist in correcting any mistakes.
- Interrogation
- never ask "Do you understand?" rather provide projects and revision to test the skill put over by you.
- If a person hasn't learned, the teacher hasn't taught.
Leadership links
- Leadership - a brief introduction
- Patrol Leadership - leadership in Scouting
- Patrol Leadership tips
- Roles and responsibilities of Patrol Leaders
Training
- Leadership Development Course (LDC)
- Patrol Leader Training Course (PLTC)
- Patrol Leader Training Unit (PLTU)